Since a change of regulation stopped acting from being an exempted profession, it has become pretty much impossible for anyone to talk openly regarding the disability status of any actor who is an active candidate for a role.
This has led to a widespread situation in the industry, where productions who might not already have experience of working with a range of disabilities are often disempowered from exploring what having a disabled team member involved on a project is like.
Having taken advice from several leading Irish casting professionals, I have chosen to include this page within my website to give an idea of what it is like to work alongside Pierre and me, to allow an open dialogue which is legal under current regulations, if not in direct reference to any part for which I am under active consideration.
About Pierre
Pierre is a ‘mobility’ and ‘tasker type’ assistance dog, provided by Irish Dogs for Disabled, an Assistance Dogs International (ADI) Approved Assistance Dogs Provider.
As such, Pierre’s legal status is “wheelchair” and he can go into any public place and into any workplace environment.
At qualification, we were the 9th assistance dog partnership working full-time in the industry anywhere in the globe.
My previous partnered dog was the first ever working full time in theatre & film & Pierre is the first “successor dog” to enter the industry.
We are proud that our professional community of Assistance Dog Partnerships in theatre & film continues to move from strength to strength.
Since Pierre & I were paired in 2024, we have worked in a variety of environments, which has included:
* Theatre spaces – ranging in size from 140 – 411 seats so far
* A variety of film and TV sets
* Sound studios
* Formal Professional spaces
(including Universities, Hospitals, Hotels etc)
Pierre received specific training to be able to work around crowds.
The largest audience numbers we have worked with to-date has been ~600 people.
About Working with Pierre
Pierre works with me on either verbal or signed commands, depending on the situation. He is well aware of the importance of remaining silent when in the wings and while “rolling”.
Typically, Pierre remains with me at all times. However if there is an absolute need for it within the context of a film/TV piece, we are on occasion accompanied by my spouse (themself an actor) who doubles as our PA and once I have got safely to my position, has taken Pierre out of the frame while we are rolling.
Pierre is still learning to pick up dialogue and blocking and is by no means as fast on the uptake as Emma was.
While he may show interest in a standby or cue from the wings, when we are actively performing, though he may occasionally show interest (typically a cocked ear, or a head-tilt), he does not usually anticipate or give away plot.
Overall, if you’ve ever had a well-behaved five-year-old working with you, you will have a fair idea of what working with Pierre is like.
Travel:
Pierre holds a fully up-to-date passport and can travel with me at any time, however, there is an additional step involved with booking his travel.
To discuss please contact me.
FAQs
What about cleanliness/hygiene issues?
Not a problem.
Assistance dogs are allowed in all public spaces and all workplaces because there are more stringent regulations on the cleanliness and health & hygiene standards with them versus a domestic pet.
All assistance dogs are thoroughly groomed, fully vaccinated, and are always up to date on prophylactic worming, tick & flea medications. Assistance dogs are also fed and cared for in a particular way so that toileting needs are as predictable as possible.
How does Pierre cope with animals and workplace equipment?
Though he entered the industry significantly younger than Emma, and took longer to get settled, Pierre is happy and confident around other animals, though the usual introduction time built in before first rehearsal is required for both animals to get to know each other.
Pierre has been around a variety of show environments and sets but is still learning about some equipment and effects.
Working with Pierre is very similar to working with a small child: Controlled, gentle introduction when he is happy and confident always paves the way.
To discuss logistics please contact me.
How should we credit Pierre?
Pierre should not be given a credit.
His legal standing is that of a wheelchair, so a credit is not appropriate.
About Emma
Before her retirement, Emma was a ‘mobility’ and ‘tasker type’ assistance dog, provided by Irish Dogs for Disabled, an Assistance Dogs International (ADI)
Approved Assistance Dogs Provider.
As such, Emma’s legal status was “wheelchair” and she was able to go into any public place and into any workplace environment.
At qualification, we had the honour of being the World’s first assistance dog partnership working full-time in the industry anywhere on the globe.
By 2021, three more partnerships had entered the field worldwide and when Pierre qualified in 2024, he was the 9th in the industry.
We hope our professional community of Assistance Dog Partnerships working in theatre & film will continue to move from strength to strength.
Since pairing in 2014, Emma & I worked in a variety of environments, which included:
* Theatre spaces – ranging in size from
25 – 1200 seats
* A variety of film and TV sets – both studio-based and location
* Sound studios
* Scheduled monuments – working living history
* Live performance venues – including museums, galleries, etc
* Outdoor venues – period specific & one-off (e.g. parks etc)
Emma received specific training to be able to work around crowds.
The largest audience numbers we have worked with was 135,000 people over a 2-day run.
Since she loved the industry so much, since retiring from active duty, Emma went on to earn her first performing credit in Dave Thomas’ film ‘Seven Moments in Time’.
